Additionally, the day will showcase CMT’s “Next Women of Country” roster, a campaign that spotlights rising female artists and helps grow their fan base on-air, online and through an all-female tour. The 2018 Next Women of Country Tour with Sara Evans, RaeLynn and Kalie Shorr continues Friday (March 9) in Salina, Kan.

“Now, more than ever, we have to stand together in support of these powerful voices in our genre that simply are not getting enough attention,” said Leslie Fram, SVP of Music and Talent. “It’s our mission at CMT to continue fostering opportunities that create a stage for the female voices of our genre to be heard.”

Since its 2013 inception, CMT’s Next Women franchise has been a launching pad for several of today’s superstars and Grammy winners including Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Grammy nominee Brandy Clark. This year the program grows with nine additions including Shorr, Abby Anderson, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Bryan, Erin Enderlin, Hannah Ellis, Jo Smith, Kassi Ashton and The Sisterhood.